Jonathan Spector's difficult year has only gotten worse after suffering a recent setback in his thigh injury.

In October Spector's injury initially had him due to return in December but now his return is expected in late January. This season, he has only made eight league appearances for Birmingham City playing both defense and in the midfield.

The 27 year old Chicago native made headlines nearly 10 years ago when he signed for Manchester United. Shortly afterward he moved to West Ham United before signing with the Blues last year.

In his career, he has earned 34 caps for the U.S national team with his best performances coming in the 2009 Confederations Cup where he started every game in a tournament where the U.S defeated Spain and advanced to the finals before losing to Brazil.